Shortly before 3 p.m., Monday, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services received a report of heavy smoke pouring from a residence in the 200 block of Pittsburgh Avenue in the Sault's west end.
Fire fighters responded, finding flames and heavy fire damage on the first floor of the building.
Fire services officials report the home owner was not home at the time the fire broke out but returned to find smoke pouring from the home.
The home owner was able to rescue his dog but his cat perished in the fire.
The home sustained smoke damage to the second floor as well.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and, at the time of printing, crews remained on scene with four pumper trucks.